Sample sale strategies
The sample sale can be a tricky thing to navigate when you're blindsided with the concept of a "sale". Discounts are always more favorable than paying full price, though this doesn't always mean that you have to buy it simply because it's on sale. I've had to learn erroneously many times that it's not always worth buying something when it will mostly likely sit in your closet with the tags still attached three years later. So, in order to be better prepared, here are a list of quick tips to keep in mind while hitting these kind of events:
1) Grab everything of interest to you, but don't buy everything you pick up.
I recently attended the Opening Ceremony sample sale in NYC, and while I tried on a pile of items, I ended up not buying a single thing. Sure, the discounts were fantastic considering the original prices, but the more I stood there in a leather strapless dress (which was gorgeous btw), I had to be realistic. When on earth would I ever have an occasion fit for a leather strapless bubble skirt dress? At most I'd wear it once, and at $270, it still didn't make sense. It hurt my heart a little to put it back on the rack, but in the end, I knew it was for the best.
2) Set aside a certain amount you are able and willing to spend, bringing cash if possible.
There are times when using a credit card is useful, but this is not one of those times. Sample sales give you the impression that you're saving money, when really this is hardly the case if you still spend hundreds and thousands anyway. The best thing one can do is to leave the cards at home and bring cash. This helps you to be more careful in choosing what you should get, rather than gleefully buying everything up. At times, you can even save a little more by paying with cash because you'll be spared potential fees when using a card, or they'll eliminate tax altogether when paying with cash.
3) Bring a style and cash conscious friend to help you choose and buy your goods.
There are buddy systems at the pool, and a sample sale can be just as dangerous when you go into the deep end. So go ahead and pair up with a friend who you know can help you shop better. It's also extremely helpful to have an extra pair of eyes and hands to scope and snatch pieces for each other. If something doesn't work on one of you, perhaps the other can benefit.
4) Stay calm and collected.
Sample sales have an odd effect on people, especially the ladies. It can and often is war-like territory. People can get aggressive and rude when trying to jump to the goods before someone else does. The way I see it, don't let desperation get the best of you. Try and treat it like a normal shopping situation. Don't be terribly slow about it, but don't act like you're ready to throw elbows either. Remain respectful of others, and hopefully that courtesy will be returned to you. Being grabby and an a-hole usually gets you nowhere. Ask any man.
5) Wear a skin tight tank with boy shorts or leggings.
I accidentally forgot to adhere to my own rules, and showed up to the OC sample sale wearing a dress. While this is okay when you're trying on bottoms, it gets tricky when you want to try on a dress or top in the middle of a room full of people. The best way to go about shopping at sample sales where there are often no fitting rooms for your comfort and privacy is to wear things you can easily put other clothing over, like a shelf bra tank and shorts. That way, you won't have to look like me, standing in a corner trying to hide in a rack, pulling a tight dress on top of the loose dress I'm already wearing.
1) Grab everything of interest to you, but don't buy everything you pick up.
I recently attended the Opening Ceremony sample sale in NYC, and while I tried on a pile of items, I ended up not buying a single thing. Sure, the discounts were fantastic considering the original prices, but the more I stood there in a leather strapless dress (which was gorgeous btw), I had to be realistic. When on earth would I ever have an occasion fit for a leather strapless bubble skirt dress? At most I'd wear it once, and at $270, it still didn't make sense. It hurt my heart a little to put it back on the rack, but in the end, I knew it was for the best.
2) Set aside a certain amount you are able and willing to spend, bringing cash if possible.
There are times when using a credit card is useful, but this is not one of those times. Sample sales give you the impression that you're saving money, when really this is hardly the case if you still spend hundreds and thousands anyway. The best thing one can do is to leave the cards at home and bring cash. This helps you to be more careful in choosing what you should get, rather than gleefully buying everything up. At times, you can even save a little more by paying with cash because you'll be spared potential fees when using a card, or they'll eliminate tax altogether when paying with cash.
3) Bring a style and cash conscious friend to help you choose and buy your goods.
There are buddy systems at the pool, and a sample sale can be just as dangerous when you go into the deep end. So go ahead and pair up with a friend who you know can help you shop better. It's also extremely helpful to have an extra pair of eyes and hands to scope and snatch pieces for each other. If something doesn't work on one of you, perhaps the other can benefit.
4) Stay calm and collected.
Sample sales have an odd effect on people, especially the ladies. It can and often is war-like territory. People can get aggressive and rude when trying to jump to the goods before someone else does. The way I see it, don't let desperation get the best of you. Try and treat it like a normal shopping situation. Don't be terribly slow about it, but don't act like you're ready to throw elbows either. Remain respectful of others, and hopefully that courtesy will be returned to you. Being grabby and an a-hole usually gets you nowhere. Ask any man.
5) Wear a skin tight tank with boy shorts or leggings.
I accidentally forgot to adhere to my own rules, and showed up to the OC sample sale wearing a dress. While this is okay when you're trying on bottoms, it gets tricky when you want to try on a dress or top in the middle of a room full of people. The best way to go about shopping at sample sales where there are often no fitting rooms for your comfort and privacy is to wear things you can easily put other clothing over, like a shelf bra tank and shorts. That way, you won't have to look like me, standing in a corner trying to hide in a rack, pulling a tight dress on top of the loose dress I'm already wearing.
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